Income and Poverty

Just 7% of homeowners in Texas have flood insurance through the federal government, which runs the biggest flood insurance program in the country. That percentage drops to 2% when you move inland, to areas like Travis and Kerr counties.

The bill is moving quickly through Congress and could reshape life for millions of Texans.

South Plains Community Action Association, Inc., or SPCAA, serves approximately 114 counties in Texas, with a focus on assisting in rural communities. It is one of many organizations whose programs are under threat in upcoming federal budget proposals.

Congressional Republicans are on the precipice of approving $290 billion in cuts to the largest low-income anti-hunger program in the nation. People who rely on the program, already pressured by food price surges, are worried they will be going without.

Texas is one of about a dozen states that won't be participating in a federal program that provides families with $120 per eligible child to buy groceries while school is out.

Yesterday, Lubbock Compact announced an update to its Lubbock Environmental Action Plan project, with a new interactive air quality map on its website. Meanwhile, KERA’s Pablo Arauz Peña reports North Texas businesses that contribute to poor air quality could be subject to fines. And Texas' Health and Human Services Commission has asked the state for funding to improve systems and expand staff.

After a community event hosted by the East Lubbock Art House bringing further attention to disparities in Lubbock's housing, we took a look at the data to break down what's making it harder for citizens to own a home.

More than half of families with school-aged children faced food insecurity over the last year. Parents also said concerns over whether they can afford nutritious food for their households is taking a toll on their mental health.

Group homes serve people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

Texas Public Radio’s Camille Phillips reports that in the wake of glitches and delays, significantly fewer high school grads filled out FAFSA this year compared to last year. Today also marks the beginning of Texas' Tax Free Weekend, when school supplies will be exempt from sales taxes.